“Shame on you!” Those were the words he heard most often from his mother, and they led him into the drug scene, later to prison, and nearly to his death. – Shame is a feeling that weighs us down, accuses us, hurts us, and is almost unbearable. That’s why many people retreat into emotional numbness, aggressive behavior, or self-destructive behavior. To drown out their own shame, they shame, mock, humiliate, degrade, or bully others. This is how shame survives for generations.

The Pharisees publicly shamed a woman caught in adultery and wanted to stone her. Jesus said, “Let anyone among you who is without sin cast the first stone.” Struck by these words, they ran away! Jesus gave the woman this liberating response: “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more!”

Jesus does not condemn a remorseful sinner! Through forgiveness, we regain our dignity! He wants us to live reconciled and free.

Then I don’t find you guilty either,’ Jesus said. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.

John 8,11

Weekly text: Isaiah 42,1–9